Elections 2024: A party for the children is a party for the future
All political parties should prioritise early childhood needs
Government
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP: By Geoff Jennett, CEO of Emira Property Fund
A rallying cry from the South African real estate sector In the eye of a storm, the South African commercial real estate sector has proven to be a linchpin of our nation’s economic and societal fabric. Its pulse is the pulse of South Africa. Our sector has been pummelled by various local pressures, many resulting …
W Cape State vets at the centre of efforts to increase agricultural exports
W Cape State vets at the centre of efforts to increase agricultural exports
Western Cape State veterinarians have been lauded for the province’s efforts to increase agricultural exports.
According to the Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, the province is responsible for 55% of South Africa’s primary agricultural exports, with nearly 50% being livestock or livestock products.
The MEC was addressing 1 500 delegates from 48 different countries attending the 39th World Veterinary Association Congress, which is currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town.
Meyer said the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services recently launched its innovative online electronic Export Certificate Office System (ECOS).
“ECOS provides the customer with a 24-hour export facilitation service, reducing the export certificate application process from days to minutes. The platform streamlines the export process and ensures compliance with international standards. Exports contribute to foreign exchange earnings and a 5% increase in exports will lead to approximately 22 000 new jobs in the agriculture sector in the Western Cape,” he explained.
He also announced that the Western Cape Government’s (WCG) R30 million revamp of the Provincial Veterinary Laboratory facilities has been completed and that the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) and International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 17025 certificated laboratory re-opened on 1 April 2024.
Expressing his concern about the shortage of veterinarians, Meyer said the international norm for veterinary services is 200 to 400 veterinarians per million of the population. In comparison, South Africa has around 60 to 70 veterinarians per million.
“This represents only 25% of our requirements. Therefore, this is a great concern, which puts the country’s food security and human health at risk. A fully staffed veterinary service is a critical enabler to a thriving agriculture sector in the province. The agriculture sector creates jobs and drives economic growth.”
Commenting further on conditions under which live animals are transported at sea, Meyer stated that the unacceptable conditions in which live animals are transported highlight the need to consider placing a ban on the transport of live animals and the importance of biosecurity.
“This year, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture will prioritise veterinary services and biosecurity. Organisations such as the World Veterinary Association and the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) will play a key role in strengthening our response to the challenges facing the profession and our sector. We must defend animal welfare and advance biosecurity,” Meyer said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 04/18/2024 - 09:05
433 views
Ekurhuleni shack dwellers’ hopes of getting flush toilets dashed
City of Ekurhuleni says five families can safely share a chemical toilet
Patel welcomes VW’s R4 billion investment in SA
Patel welcomes VW's R4 billion investment in SA
Volkswagen South Africa’s (VWSA) investment of R4 billion in their assembly plant in Kariega, in the Eastern Cape, has been welcomed by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel.
The investment will introduce a new SUV model built on the Polo platform.
The move also positions the facility as the sole manufacturer of the Polo brand globally and the new SUV model will be exported to global markets.
Patel addressed the public announcement on Wednesday held at VWSA’s facility in Kariega.
He said the investment was a testament to the country’s industrial policy, and it will not only strengthen the assembly plant but also secure the livelihoods of approximately 3 500 people who are directly employed by VWSA.
“Moreover, this investment has rippled through this part of the Eastern Cape, fostering an ecosystem of prosperity and industrialisation, supporting an estimated 50 000 indirect jobs and livelihoods.”
In the last five years, the department said government has undertaken significant work to bolster automotive production in South Africa.
Patel highlighted 10 actions, which have been taken in the sixth administration to support the industry:
• New Automotive Masterplan crafted together with the industry was implemented in July 2021, setting the policy framework for the next decade.
• The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) has concluded modalities, including rules of origin for a first list of auto products, opening up a vast market.
• A free-trade agreement with the United Kingdom after Brexit was concluded and implemented, which enabled South Africa to retain access to preferential terms in the United Kingdom market.
• The establishment of the R6 billion Auto Industry Transformation Fund, which VWSA and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) contribute to bringing Black component manufacturers into the supply chain.
• A major agreement with tier 1 auto component manufacturers has been concluded that will ensure greater opportunities for Black manufacturers in tier 2 or tier 3 levels.
• R50 billion in investment commitments in the auto sector have been secured.
• A landmark agreement with Stellantis for the construction of a new R3 billion plant in the Coega Special Economic Zone has been reached.
• Semi-knocked down (SKD) production by BAIC, also in the Coega Special Economic Zone, has commenced as a first phase toward more value-additive complete knocked down (CKD) production.
• A new Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone has been established, with 10 factories for Ford suppliers already built by March 2024, employing 3 300 workers.
• The Electric Vehicle Policy was finalised by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), and a new incentive package to assist the transition was announced by the Minister of Finance in the 2024 Budget.
According to the department, the automotive industry plays a crucial role in our economy, contributing significantly to gross domestic product (GDP) and employment.
The manufacturing component of the auto industry contributed 2.9% of South Africa’s GDP in 2022.
With over 115 000 direct employees and an additional 240 000 indirect jobs, the department said the auto industry remains a cornerstone of South Africa's manufacturing sector.
“Despite global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions, South Africa’s automotive industry has continued to grow.”
Over the past five calendar years, South African OEMs produced 2.7 million vehicles and exported 1.7 million vehicles.
In 2023, South Africa exported a record 399 594 vehicles, a milestone for its industrial resilience and global competitiveness.
Notably, last year, South Africa exported its six millionth vehicle since the start of the democratic era. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 04/18/2024 - 11:14
255 views
W Cape receives record number of Grade 1 and 8 applications for 2025
W Cape receives record number of Grade 1 and 8 applications for 2025
The Western Cape provincial government has announced that it has received 102 680 applications for Grade 1 and 8 for 2025.
This is an increase of 5 936 on last year’s on-time window, during which applications for 96 744 Grade 1 and 8 learners were received.
The admissions window closed on Friday, 12 April 2024, at midnight.
“We thank the parents who put in the effort to apply on time, helping us to plan for a place for their child in a school next year,” the Western Cape Education Department said on Wednesday.
After the deadline, all late applications will be considered only after those received on time.
Parents will still be able to capture late applications on the online system until 12 May 2024, but they will be flagged as late applications.
The provincial department said parents of students in Grades 1 and 8 who are planning to relocate to the Western Cape, but have missed the online application deadline of 12 May 2024, or have not applied for any other reason, should get in touch with their district office immediately for assistance.
“We urge parents not to wait until the last minute to apply,” the department added.
The window for Grade R applications and transfer requests for Grades 2 to 7 and Grades 9 to 11 will run from 1 to 16 August 2024.
Meanwhile, now that on-time applications have closed, schools will have a little over a month to consider all the applications they have received.
Parents are reminded that they do not need to drop off their certified hard copies at this stage. They will only need to do so once they have received an offer from a school and accepted the offer as their final choice of school.
“Parents will start seeing the outcomes of their applications online from 30 May 2024, and we will remind them of this as the date approaches. The date has been shifted by a day from 29 May 2024 to accommodate the public holiday for the general election.”
Parents must then accept or decline successful offers before 14 June 2024, and the department encouraged them to do so as quickly as possible.
“It is important for parents to confirm their choice of school speedily when they have received offers from multiple schools. These parents are essentially ‘double parking’ on the system, stopping schools from offering these places to other applicants until they make their choice.”
If a parent has not confirmed their choice by 14 June 2024, the system will automatically confirm their top-ranked school that has made an offer.
All other offers will then be removed, so that those places can be offered to other learners.
“Parents who do not receive an offer on 30 May 2024 should not be disheartened as places always open up as parents confirm their final choices. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to place every learner whose parents applied on time as quickly as possible.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 04/18/2024 - 09:44
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Call for calm amid rumours of a Mahikeng shutdown
Call for calm amid rumours of a Mahikeng shutdown
The North West provincial government has urged residents of Mahikeng and surrounding areas to remain calm and not panic following rumours of a shutdown taking place today, 17 April 2024.
Protest organisers have vowed to close roads leading to the Mahikeng central business district (CBD) due to the decay and lack of services, according to the SABC.
Meanwhile, the provincial government said no application to march has been made by organisers of the purported shutdown.
“While the provincial government respects the rights of any person to march and protest about any grievance, it maintains this should be done within the confines of the law.”
The North West government has since assured residents that measures have been put in place to ensure that the rule of law is enforced and that the safety of residents is prioritised.
In addition, the provincial government urged public servants to treat today as a normal working day, as security in all state buildings in Mahikeng will be intensified to ensure that government properties and employees are protected.
“The provincial government has also received assurance from the South African Police Services that no lawlessness will be tolerated, and action will be taken against those who impede on the rights of others, including threats to human life and property damage,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 09:23
688 views
GBV fight strengthened with opening of Thuthuzela centre
GBV fight strengthened with opening of Thuthuzela centre
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has launched a state-of-the-art Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) in Stellenbosch.
TCCs are a one stop facility for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) where they are able to receive psycho-social support, medical treatment, and legal services.
These centres are also aimed at removing incidents of secondary victimisation and create a platform for building successful cases.
Speaking at the launch of the TCC, NPA National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Shamila Batohi, explained that the site became operational in February this year.
“It enables the victims of GBV in Stellenbosch and surrounding communities to access and receive world class GBV services. The TCC model is an international best practice. This model works because it is victim centred [and] court directed which is really important because we need to ensure justice for the victims.
“One of the NPA’s innovative interventions to give effect to these commitments [on the response to GBV] has been the introduction of the TCC model. But now, it is not just an NPA initiative, it is a collaborative initiative by various government departments,” Batohi said.
Reflecting on the statistics of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa, the NDPP called on all of society to join hands to fight it.
“Sadly, as we all know, GBV is a scourge in South Africa. The 2023 World Population Review Report notes that South Africa is amongst 10 countries with the highest levels of rape worldwide.
“It is therefore not unexpected that a December 2022 Afrobarometer survey found that South Africans – both men and women – see GBV as the most important women’s human rights issue that government and society must address as a collective.
“The rape and killing of our women is in fact reflective of the society that is devoid of a sense of humanity. It requires that a whole of society approach be adopted in particular by men that we declare war on GBVF,” she said.
Batohi highlighted that in Sexual Offences Courts around the country, the NPA has a conviction rate of at least 70%.
However, she bemoaned the fact that this drops “dramatically” when unreported cases are included.
“If included; the unreported matters; the conviction drops dramatically to under 10%. So, under 10% of victims actually get justice. It’s something that we really need to look at. SAPS have done presentations…where they say that over 50% of these offences are committed by people known to the victim.
“So the question is if over 50% of these offences are committed by people known to the victim, why do we not have at least 50% of cases reported ultimately convicted?
“Children are very often abused because there are not enough care facilities for mothers working and so they leave the young children, with a neighbour [or] family member and very often, these young children are actually then violated by people that are known to the family. So, we really need to look at why that detection rate is still this low,” she explained.
Batohi said that through the more than 60 TCC units across the country, more victims are reporting.
“Besides providing better services to victims of GBV, a larger footprint of TCCs translates into improved reporting. We had 29 593 matters reported in 2020/21 at the 60 TCCs. This increased to 36813 reported in 22/23 at 62 TCCs. In this past eight years combined, TCCs have dealt with 266 593 matters reported at these sites.
“More TCCs means more reporting, more confidence in the system. We also have an increase in convictions rates in cases that are finalised through the TCC process. They have steadily increased from about 60% ...to now sitting around 75, 76%,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 10:45
540 views
Cabinet approves Final White Paper On Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection
Cabinet approves Final White Paper On Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection
Cabinet has approved the Final White Paper On Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection.
This is according to Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, who briefed the media on Wednesday.
“The Department of Home Affairs carefully and duly considered all the oral and written submissions. This final White Paper is the product of robust engagements.
“The Cabinet of the Republic of South Africa approved this final White Paper on Wednesday, 10 April…and it has been published in the Government Gazette…today,” the Minister said.
Motsoaledi explained that the department had received an “overwhelming” response to the call for public comments.
“The responses have been overwhelming. Individuals, that is citizens, asylum seekers and refugees as well as public interest groups, companies, national and local government departments, premiers, research institutes, political parties, [international bodies]…and many others made their voices heard and made constructive comments.
“The [department’s] team and I conducted public hearings in all nine provinces. The outcome of the engagements and public comments is that the policy position adopted in the White Paper enjoys wide support.
“Only a handful of public interest groups are opposed to selected policy positions such as the withdrawal of the 1951 Refugee Convention, the 1967 Protocol and re-acceding to them with reservations, proposed repeal of Section 4 (3) of the South African Citizenship Act and the First Safe Country principle,” he said.
International Agreements
Turning to international agreements that South Africa is party to, Motsoaledi explained that the White Paper seeks to open a path for government to exercise its right to make reservations on some elements of the agreements.
“In 1996, two years after the first democratic elections, South Africa acceded to various international agreements such as the 1951 Convention, the 1967 Protocol, the 1969 OAU [Organization of African Unity] Convention and other international instruments. This was done without the government having developed a clear policy on migration, including refugee protection.
“The government did not make reservations and exceptions permitted in terms of international law. The white paper proposes that the government of the Republic of South Africa must review and/or withdraw from the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol with a view to accede to them with reservations like many countries did.
“All the South African government intends achieving is to exercise its right granted in Article 42 of the 1951 Convention and Article 7 of the 1967 Protocol and make reservations accordingly,” he said.
Motsoaledi emphasised that South Africa “does not have the resources” to fulfil all of the requirements of the 1951 Convention.
“The Refugee Protection and Immigration legislation must provide for reservations and exceptions as contained in the 1951 Convention and the 1969 OAU Convention. Particularly in that South Africa does not have the resources to grant the socio-economic rights envisaged in the 1951 Convention,” he said.
The final White Paper can be accessed on the Government Gazette at http://www.gpwonline.co.za/GPWGazettes.htm#:~:text=50530%2017%2D04%20HomeAffairs .– SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 16:28
90 views
President Ramaphosa to officiate EPWP 20 year celebration
President Ramaphosa to officiate EPWP 20 year celebration
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officiate over the celebration of 20 years of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in the Eastern Cape, on Wednesday.
The President will also launch Phase V of the programme.
“The EPWP is a nationwide government programme to create work opportunities and income support to poor and unemployed people through the delivery of public and community assets and services, thereby contributing towards development.
“The programme is one of government’s flagship Public Employment Programmes and has been implemented for the past 20 years since April 2004,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The programme is implemented in the following sectors:
- Infrastructure sector and the non-state sector coordinated by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure
- Social sector coordinated by the Department of Social Development
- Environment and culture sector coordinated by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
According to the Presidency, since the EPWP’s inception, some 14 million working opportunities have been created through “more than 300 public bodies and non-profit organisations (NPO) implementing the EPWP”.
“The work opportunities were created in sectors such as road construction, road maintenance, construction of schools and clinics, provision of early childhood development services, environmental greening and clean-up projects, fire projects and removal of alien vegetation projects.
“These also include training and skilling in construction skills in painting, brick laying, carpentry; home community care skills and firefighting.
“The launch of the Phase V implemented from 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2029 will be used to unveil millions of more work opportunities to benefit women, youth and poor households for inclusive growth, sustainable development, and community empowerment in the country,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 12:28
64 views
Mashatile to launch second phase of Wi-Fi connectivity project in Limpopo
Mashatile to launch second phase of Wi-Fi connectivity project in Limpopo
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead the official launch of Phase 2 of the South Africa Connect project on Friday, 19 April 2024.
The project is a flagship programme aimed at bridging the digital divide by providing Wi-Fi access to communities and ensuring universal access to the internet.
The SA Connect Phase 2 launch event is organised by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and will take place at the Ephraim Mogale Stadium, Modimolle Local Municipality, Waterberg District, in Limpopo.
The project aligns with the government’s commitment to achieving the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 goals related to technology.
The programme also aims to create an inclusive information society and enable the government to provide broadband to communities.
By playing an enabling role in the provision of broadband, the Presidency said, government will be better positioned to meet the needs of its citizens.
“It also galvanises the capability, resources, and energy of public and private sectors towards realising a bold vision to reach 80% connectivity by 2024,” the statement read.
Deputy President Mashatile is launching Phase 2 which is expected to connect more than 42 000 government facilities, including schools, health facilities, post offices, police stations, and government offices, to broadband services.
The project will cover eight rural district municipalities.
So far, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has successfully confirmed that more than 751 232 households and about 4 366 community Wi-Fi hotspots are connected in 11 district municipalities.
These include Mount Ayliff in the Eastern Cape and Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal, with other districts to follow.
The Deputy President will also take the opportunity to interact with members of the surrounding communities to witness progress achieved by government in providing core access to network infrastructure to enable broadband connectivity to community Wi-Fi hotspots that connect households.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council, District and Local Mayors, as well as senior government officials will support Deputy President Mashatile. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 11:23
127 views
Thabong Service Centre, a shining example of excellence
Thabong Service Centre, a shining example of excellence
by Simphiwe Mngomezulu
Thusong Service Centre Managers and Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) provincial teams from all corners of the country gathered on Tuesday in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality to learn best practices from the Thabong Service Centre.
The benchmarking programme was hosted by the National Inter-Sectoral Steering Committee (NISSC) which is the national coordination structure of the Thusong Service Centre Programme, chaired by the GCIS at national level.
The vibrant intergovernmental programme took place in the heart of the township at the Boitumelo Junction Mall.
During the event, the Thabong Service Centre was acknowledged as one of the most optimally and efficiently performing Thusong Service Centres in the country. It is also the second urban Thusong Centre to be located within a mall like the centre located at Maponya Mall in Gauteng.
The one-stop-shop provides information and integrated government services from various departments, including the Office of the Premier, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Social Development, Labour and Employment, GCIS and the local Councilor.
Lejweleputswa District Municipality Executive Mayor, Veronica Ntakumbana, attended the event and spoke about the importance of bringing services closer to the people.
According to Boitumelo Junction Mall marketing manager, Mampoi Mahasa, the centre services a low-income community that cannot afford to frequently travel to town to access government services.
“The availability of SASSA and the clinic in the centre has been of great help to the community,” said Mampoi.
The Thusong Service Centre programme was first launched in 1999. The Free State province currently has five operational Thusong Service Centers.
The NISSC: Thusong Service Centre programme will run over three days.
On Wednesday, the structure will host a meeting at Mangaung Municipality to provide feedback from the last meeting held in April 2023 and further outline new projects.
On 18 April 2024, the NISSC will host another integrated services outreach at Hoffman Square, in Bloemfontein Central which will be followed by the Annual Thusong Service Centre Awards.
The Awards will take place at the Floreat Hall, Bram Fischer Building, Mangaung Metro, in Bloemfontein. The event will be officiated by the Deputy Ministers in the Presidency and the Premier of the Free State, Mxolisi Dukwana. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 10:04
131 views
Elections 2024: What the major political parties say about hunger
We sent questions to the ANC, DA, EFF, IFP, FF Plus, ActionSA, PA, MK Party and RISE Mzansi
SA ranks top three for fiscal transparency
SA ranks top three for fiscal transparency
National Treasury has welcomed South Africa’s ranking by the International Monetary Fund’s Fiscal Transparency Evaluation Report of being among the top three countries worldwide for fiscal transparency.
According to the International Budget Partnership, South Africa has a strong record of fiscal transparency and consistently ranks among the top three countries worldwide for transparency.
“A predictable and transparent fiscal policy underpins macroeconomic stability. The IMF’s Fiscal Transparency Evaluation Report notes a strong performance in fiscal reporting and budget transparency,” National Treasury said on Tuesday.
The report also suggested improvements in three areas, which include:
- Fiscal reporting: Expand and align fiscal reporting to international best practice by including other spheres of the public sector, strengthening tax expenditure disclosure, and improving adherence to audit timelines for published financial statements;
- Forecasting and budgeting: Implement precise, time-bound and stable fiscal rules, and
- Fiscal risk analysis: Enhance analysis of risks in the fiscal risk statement, publish public-private partnership financial data regularly, consolidate transfers to state owned companies to show fiscal impact and set limits on government guarantees.
“Work is underway on all these areas. Government is committed to addressing these areas to enhance fiscal credibility and ensure continued transparency and accountability in the management of public finances,” National Treasury said.
The full report can be accessed from the IMF website on: https://bit.ly/4arlhux. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 09:11
596 views
Elections 2024: What the major political parties say about a sugar tax
We sent questions to the ANC, DA, EFF, IFP, FF Plus, ActionSA, PA, MK Party and RISE Mzansi
Electricity Minister to visit Northern Cape
Electricity Minister to visit Northern Cape
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is expected to undertake an outreach programme with business stakeholders in the Northern Cape.
The programme is expected to be held on Thursday and Friday.
“The programme seeks to forge partnerships between all spheres of government and organised business/industrialists to achieve the Energy Action Plan’s [EAP] target of ending load shedding and creating energy security.
“The programme focuses on localised solutions to energy supply to protect local economies and save jobs and livelihoods,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The Minister will be joined by Premier Zamani Saul with the support of provincial and local government.
“On Thursday, the Minister…will be part of marking the reaching of commercial operation of one of the largest hybrid solar and energy battery storage facilities, Scatec ASA. Scatec has now officially commenced producing and supplying electricity to the national grid from their three Kenhardt plants in the Northern Cape.
“With an installed solar capacity of 540 MW and a battery storage capacity of 225MW/ 1140MWh, this innovative and large-scale project delivers 150 MW of dispatchable power to the grid.
“This milestone is in fulfilment of the EAP’s pillars of enabling private investment in generation and fast tracking the procurement of new generation from renewable energy sources, as part of South Africa’s energy mix,” the Ministry said.
The programme will conclude on Friday with an engagement with business representatives in the province to be held in Upington. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 10:54
821 views
Mashatile calls on traditional leaders to promote free and fair elections
Mashatile calls on traditional leaders to promote free and fair elections
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged traditional leaders to encourage eligible voters to participate in the May 29 elections, and ensure they are free and fair.
“We will, as a nation, hold the seventh democratic National and Provincial Elections. In this context, traditional leaders should continue to encourage all eligible voters to participate in the elections,” he said on Tuesday.
The Deputy President, as the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on matters of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders, delivered a keynote address during a dialogue convened by the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders in Pretoria.
“We urge traditional leaders to promote free and fair elections and ensure that all voters exercise their democratic right — a right that was hard fought for and must never be taken for granted.”
He also took the time to urge rural leaders to work with the government to address the killings of traditional leaders.
“As an institution located in rural areas, it is important that we collaborate to identify obstacles that are hampering community development, such as the killing of traditional leaders, especially in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
“We encourage amakhosi and izinduna to continue working closely with the government to address this challenge effectively.”
The Deputy President condemned acts of violence and urged the community to serve as government’s eyes and ears by reporting those who conspire or have committed such crimes to the appropriate authorities.
“Our law enforcement agencies are also working hard to hold those responsible to account.”
Land
The country's second-in-command acknowledged the urgent need for the State to expedite its rural development efforts, particularly through the implementation of the InvestRural Master Plan.
The InvestRural initiative enables rural communities to unlock their potential and improve their livelihoods.
“Investing in local economies and land ownership is still critical for rural communities’ development.”
He recognised that land tenure and administration are contentious issues and government will work hard to transfer land ownership to its legitimate owners and sustain rural communities.
“Government has also undertaken to divest itself of the communal land it holds in trust for communities.”
The Deputy President assured leaders that government was prioritising land access for rural development and economic transformation.
“We are finalising the Draft Communal Land Bill and Policy, with consultations underway to solicit input from various sectors, including traditional leaders.”
The documents, according to the Deputy President, will be processed through government structures and the Cabinet for public comments during the 2024/25 financial year.
“We are confident that the Draft Communal Land Rights Bill will facilitate the transfer of government-held communal land to communities. It will also allow for communal land registration and dispute resolution mechanisms.”
He believes that it wais important to optimally utilise the land.
“If we can till the land, the people can fight hunger and poverty through small-scale farming or agricultural start-ups.”
Social issues
During the meeting,Mashatile offered to work with leaders to tackle pressing issues such as substance abuse, crime, and gender-based violence.
“GBVF has a negative impact on socio-economic conditions, particularly for women and girls. Therefore, ending this scourge is urgent and critical for our nation's development.
“You must never allow anyone to act violently and abusively against their partners in the name of culture. Together, we must stand firm and say no to all forms of abuse and violence.”
He also touched on the prevalence of HIV and AIDS and tuberculosis (TB), particularly among adolescent girls and young women.
“As part of our prevention efforts, we must continue to communicate good and compelling messages to young people about delaying the commencement of sexual interactions as much as possible, and when they do begin, having sexually safe relationships and living healthy lifestyles.”
He also encouraged local Houses of traditional leaders to establish relationships with community organisations to fight the scourge of drugs.
The Deputy President also took the time to congratulate Kgosi Seatlholo, Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, on his recent election as Interim Chairperson of the Southern Africa Network of Traditional Leaders in Drug Demand Reduction.
“The establishment of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders serves as evidence of the government’s dedication to recognising and valuing the viewpoints and contributions of our traditional leaders.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 13:10
201 views
N West Acting Premier to lead Mahikeng Student City sod-turning ceremony
N West Acting Premier to lead Mahikeng Student City sod-turning ceremony
North West Acting Premier Nono Maloyi will lead a sod-turning ceremony on Thursday to mark the official launch of the Mahikeng Student City.
This initiative aims to alleviate the urgent need for student housing in the provincial capital.
The Student City project is a 10 000-bed facility, with provisions for modern amenities such as a fitness centre and health and retail facilities.
In addition, the project is expected to generate 10 000 job opportunities, both short- and long-term.
“This project forms part of ongoing efforts by government to create various socio-economic opportunities for locals and bolster infrastructure development in the province,” the statement read.
The official sod-turning ceremony, which be attended by officials and media, will be at Mmabatho Stadium. There will also be a prayer session led by pastors from various denominations. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 13:22
145 views
Update on Presidential eThekwini Working Group
Update on Presidential eThekwini Working Group
The Presidency has provided an update on the work of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group.
The group was announced following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the area earlier this year and is aimed at improving service delivery, improving business confidence, and repositioning eThekwini as an investment and tourism hotspot.
READ | Presidential Working Group to accelerate resolution of issues impacting eThekwini
It is co-chaired by the Director-General in the Presidency and Secretary of Cabinet, Phindile Baleni, and former KwaZulu-Natal MEC of Economic Development and Tourism, Mike Mabuyakhulu.
“On the 8th of April 2024, Director-General Phindile Baleni and Mike Mabuyakhulu led a series of follow-up engagements with the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, organised labour in eThekwini, and the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss the Working Group’s eight priority focal areas.
“The focal areas are the outcome of a deliberate consultation process within government and with social partners in eThekwini. The municipality, organised labour, and the business community expressed their commitment to leverage their expertise to support turnaround strategies across the identified focal areas.
“The Working Group represents an intergovernmental collaborative approach to addressing challenges in local government and will include active participation from all levels of government, the private sector, state owned enterprises, organised labour, and civil society,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The group’s focal areas are:
- Governance and financial sustainability
- Water and sanitation
- Safety and security
- Tourism revitalisation
- Roads, bridges, and transport
- Human settlements
- Disaster response
- Communication and stakeholder management.
The statement said the intervention is expected to last some 24 months.
“The Presidential eThekwini Working Group will be responsible for reporting progress on the implementation of turnaround strategies to the President and Minsters every three weeks. The intervention will last 24 months and focus on both short-term and long-term interventions.
“The learnings and outcomes of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group will inform similar interventions in other municipalities facing service delivery challenges,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 09:25
183 views
Elections 2024: What the independent candidates have to say
We put five questions to each of the five independent candidates
Play your part to consolidate democracy
Play your part to consolidate democracy
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on citizens, political parties and civil society to work together to ensure that this year’s election is a “success in our ongoing journey of democratic consolidation”.
The President was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter.
The 2024 National and Provincial Elections are expected to be held on 29 May this year.
“It is up to us all, whether as government, political parties, candidates, voters, the media or civil society organisations, to play our part by ensuring that our actions and words inspire faith in our democracy. We must continue to work together to ensure that nothing undermines the integrity of our elections.
“Above all, it is up to us all to ensure that this hard-won right to vote, for which so many sacrificed so much, is exercised by every eligible citizen in a climate free of intimidation and all forms of violence,” President Ramaphosa said.
This year’s elections will be the seventh held since the dawn of democracy 30 years ago.
As highlighted by the President, the country’s electoral processes together with the rights enjoyed by citizens and political parties to organise, campaign and contest, “are among the greatest strengths of our constitutional order”.
Valuable rights
President Ramaphosa reminded South Africans that in this country, politicians are free to contest and media freedom to report is guaranteed with the courts administering justice “without fear or favour, including an Electoral Court that oversees the work of the Independent Electoral Commission [IEC] and the conduct of elections”.
“As the country counts down to the election, the vibrant and robust campaigning that is taking place reflects how South Africa’s politics continues to evolve and mature. It is also a reflection of the many different views in our society and the variety of choices that voters have.
“In a democracy such as ours, we should not be worried about differences, even when sharply expressed. That is because the vast majority of South Africans value and respect the democratic process. They have faith in the rule of law and know that any disputes can be resolved through the courts and other legal avenues.
“Over the past 30 years we have held elections that are not only free and fair, but also peaceful and free of intimidation. Dire predictions of South Africa ‘regressing into violence’ or ‘democratic backsliding’ that regrettably remain a common feature of some reportage and analysis have been proven wrong time and again,” he said.
The South African voter
President Ramaphosa said that according to research, most South Africans “recognise the importance of their vote and believe they have a duty to vote” with the IEC commissioned research finding that some 57% of South Africans having expressed belief that voting is their duty.
“While youth apathy is often cited as a problem in our country, some 55% of 18-24 year olds saw it as their duty to vote. It is significant that young people accounted for over 78% of new voter registrations last year. The IEC research also found that the majority of respondents agreed that democracy is preferable to other kinds of government.
“Despite its many challenges, our democracy is in good health. Even as political and other forms of contestation continue in the run-up to this year’s polls, they are taking place under the broad umbrella of a constitutional order characterised by fundamental freedoms and human rights,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 04/15/2024 - 09:57
450 views
Government activities for the week 15 to 19 April 2024
Government activities for the week 15 to 19 April 2024
On Monday, 15 April, the Mpumalanga Premier, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, unveils an in-patient treatment centre in Delmas, Victor Khanye Local Municipality.
On Tuesday, 16 April, the Deputy Minister of Health together with the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation will interact with young people in KwaZulu-Natal as part of ongoing youth engagements and dialogues to tackle health-related challenges facing young people with potential to affect their academic journey.
On Thursday, 18 April, the Department of Tourism hosts a community engagement in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality to share information on government’s programmes and opportunities that serve to empower SMMEs and create robust and sustainable local economies in the Free State.
Janine
Mon, 04/15/2024 - 12:18
36 views
President Ramaphosa expected to visit Uganda, South Sudan
President Ramaphosa expected to visit Uganda, South Sudan
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to undertake a Working Visit to the Republic of Uganda to meet with President Yoweri Museveni.
In a statement, the Presidency said the two leaders are expected to discuss security in that region of Africa “including the situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo”.
Following that visit, President Ramaphosa is expected to visit the Republic of South Sudan in order to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
“The President will also use the visit to receive a detailed briefing from President Salva Kiir Mayardit, and all other stakeholders, on the status of implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan [R-ARCSS] which was signed on 12 September 2018,” the statement read.
The agreement comes to an end in February next year and elections must be held in December this year.
“It is in this context that President Ramaphosa has designated Deputy President Paul Mashatile, as his Special Envoy, to provide practical and political support to the parties to the R-ARCSS and the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity [R-TGoNU], towards achieving the measures set to achieve a democratic and peaceful end to the transitional period.
“To this end, Deputy President Mashatile has visited South Sudan and based on his engagements with stakeholders, recommended a follow-up visit by President Ramaphosa. South Africa has always been walking with South Sudan on its path to reconstruction and development since the dawn of independence in 2011.
“South Africa has participated in various conflict resolution and mediation mechanisms, State building, capacity building of State institutions and programmes for post-conflict reconstruction and development,” the Presidency statement said.
Official bilateral relations between South Sudan and South Africa were signed into establishment in September 2012 and are conducted through the General Cooperation Agreement.
“South Africa is also the Chair of the African Union High-Level Ad-hoc Committee for South Sudan (also known as C5), which has been mandated by the African Union to support South Sudan in its transitional process.
“South Africa enjoys cordial bilateral relations with South Sudan and the two countries have a long-standing historical relationship that pre-dates South Sudan’s independence on 9 July 2011,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 04/15/2024 - 09:02
204 views
Massive training of unemployed set to be rolled-out nationally
Massive training of unemployed set to be rolled-out nationally
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Labour Activation Programme (LAP), which is set up to provide training for employment and entrepreneurship programmes, is up-and-running and set to be rolled-out in other provinces, says Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi.
Addressing an employer’s breakfast session at the Kempton Park Civic Centre on Friday, Nxesi said South Africa finds itself in the throes of an ever-changing technological era, and this calls for adaptation.
“We are living in a technological era. This massive training is now needed to be implemented on a large scale to multi-skill the unemployed [so they can] adapt to the ever-changing world of technology,” Nxesi said.
Last week, Nxesi announced that the Department of Employment and Labour, through the UIF’s LAP,has launched a R23.8 billion programme to fund the training for employment and entrepreneurship programme.
Nxesi said government plans to help business, especially small enterprises, because the “big employer is small business”.
The Minister appealed for partnerships at district level to ensure integrated interventions as part of the District Development Model (DDM).
“It is unacceptable that Gauteng, as the country’s economic hub, has a high unemployment rate and this situation could be even be worse in other provinces,” Nxesi said.
During the employer breakfast, a number of service providers were handed certificates confirming their participation in the programme.
Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, who shared the podium with Nxesi, reiterated the role of partnerships.
Ndabeni-Abrahams said the National Development Plan (NDP) envisioned the creation of 11 million new jobs by 2030 and that most of these should come from small business.
She said that the only way to make South Africa work is to grow small business.
“We have to also look at developing new industries. We are continuously advocating for more incentives to be given to business, especially those geared towards promoting small business,” the Minister said.
Ndabeni-Abrahams also emphasised the need to support informal businesses to transition to formal business.
The employer’s breakfast session was held alongside the Jobs and Careers Fair held in Tembisa.
The event is part of an initiative to engage with individuals seeking employment, providing them with the opportunity to interact with potential employers and gain insights into crucial career paths. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 04/12/2024 - 15:07
827 views